KUALA LUMPUR, June 5 — Several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) agreed with the inspector-general of police’s decision to cancel the “Nothing to Hide” dialogue between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and the NGOs due to security concerns.
Perkasa president, Datuk Ibrahim Ali, said that in case clashes had broken out between the supporters of different groups, it would have made matters worse.
“I saw a different scene on WhatsApp and Facebook; the atmosphere at the event was rather tense and emotional.
“We don’t know what would have happened if we had continued with the dialogue.
“For example, if Tun (Dr Mahathir Mohamad) says something, there will some people booing him, likewise when the prime minister says something. So, who will be the losers?” he told reporters after the dialogue was called off by the organisers, here, today.
The dialogue was supposed to start at 10am in Dewan Tun Hussein Onn, Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), here, but was called off half an hour later on the orders of the police to ensure public safety and order.
Ibrahim said all parties must accept the decision and not speculate about the postponement of the dialogue session.
Meanwhile, Ketereh member of parliament Tan Sri Annuar Musa, who was present at the event, said the organisers should ensure order so that the dialogue could resume.
“PM is willing to come, but if the situation is not conducive, then how? We come to discuss things, not fight,” he said.
Small and Medium Entrepreneurs Association president, Mohd Ridzuan Abdullah, suggested that the prime minister meet the NGOs regularly to explain current situations.
Meanwhile, the dialogue organisers, Volunteer Lawyers Association (SukaGuam), regretted that the provocative action of some participants had led to the event being postponed.
“I regret this programme has been manipulated and turned into a battlefield, which should not be the case,” said SukaGuam’s chairman, Datuk Khairul Anwar Rahmat, adding that a new date would be set for the dialogue. — Bernama
